Ava Alexopoulos
Merrimack’s Creative Arts, Design and Architecture Department (CADA) are known for putting on a fall play and a spring musical. Instead of the traditional fall play, they have put on a fall musical for the first time in years. They have returned with the production of the blue grass musical “Bright Star”.
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past, and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, Bright Star is an uplifting theatrical journey that will hold you tightly in its grasp.
This story dealt with themes such as love, grief, and redemption. It was amazingly portrayed by the talented cast of actors with most of them being first year students. The visuals, dancing, and acting made the show magical and unforgettable.
The shows were held on November 13th at 7:30pm, November 14th at 7:30pm, and on November 15th at 2:00pm and 7:30pm. On opening night, the lights unexpectedly stopped working right after the opening number. After waiting for a bit, director Kathleen Sills informed the audience that the cast would still perform the show with the house lights on. Luckily, the lights returned back to normal during Act Two. After the show, audience members were invited to have sweets and refreshments with the cast.
The CADA Departments plans on doing many more events throughout the year. Be on the lookout for the next shows!
